Brussels, February 16, 2025 – One year after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a strict penal colony, the European Union has reiterated its condemnation of Russian authorities, holding President Vladimir Putin directly responsible for what it calls a politically motivated assassination.

In a strongly worded statement, the EU’s High Representative underscored that Navalny paid the ultimate price for his fight against authoritarianism in Russia.

“Today marks one year since the death of Russian opposition leader politician Alexei Navalny, for which President Putin and the Russian authorities bear ultimate responsibility,” the statement reads.

Navalny, a staunch critic of Putin and an anti-corruption campaigner, was imprisoned in 2021 upon his return to Russia from Germany, where he had been treated for poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent—an attack widely attributed to Russian security services. His imprisonment was condemned internationally as politically motivated, and his subsequent transfer to one of Russia’s harshest penal colonies raised concerns over his safety.

Ongoing Crackdown on Opposition

The EU statement also highlighted Russia’s deepening repression of dissent, particularly as Moscow continues its full-scale war against Ukraine. It noted that Navalny’s lawyers, along with hundreds of political prisoners, remain behind bars on fabricated charges.

“Alexei Navalny gave his life for a free and democratic Russia. Today, his lawyers remain unjustly imprisoned, together with hundreds of political prisoners. Russia must immediately and unconditionally release Alexei Navalny’s lawyers and all political prisoners,” the EU declared.

Over the past five years, the EU has implemented targeted sanctions against those responsible for Navalny’s poisoning, arrest, and politically driven sentencing. In 2024, Brussels expanded its measures by introducing a human rights-specific sanctions regime aimed at individuals involved in repression and abuses.

Demand for Justice and an End to Repression

The EU has called on Russia to cease its relentless crackdown on civil society, independent media, and opposition figures, urging the Kremlin to adhere to international law and respect fundamental human rights.

With Navalny’s death marking a dark chapter in modern Russian politics, his legacy continues to inspire pro-democracy movements within Russia and beyond, as Western nations maintain pressure on Moscow for accountability.

European Leaders Stand Firm on Ukraine Support at Munich Security Conference

As the Munich Security Conference unfolds, European leaders are reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine amidst growing concerns over potential shifts in US foreign policy. High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas delivered a resolute message, emphasizing the critical nature of European involvement in any peace negotiations for Ukraine[2].

Kallas highlighted the ongoing severity of the conflict, citing recent Russian attacks on a nuclear station as evidence of Moscow’s lack of genuine interest in peace[2]. This incident underscores the volatile situation on the ground, with recent reports indicating that Russian forces continue to target civilian infrastructure and make territorial gains[7].

The High Representative stressed the importance of maintaining a united European front, particularly in light of recent statements from the Trump administration. “No peace deal will work without us,” Kallas asserted, emphasizing that European involvement is crucial for the implementation of any agreement[2].

Sanctions and International Cooperation

Addressing questions about sanctions, Kallas maintained that they remain a necessary tool to pressure Russia into ending the war. She emphasized that lifting sanctions without addressing the damage caused in Ukraine is not an option, stating, “They also have to pay for the damages. It cannot come from our taxpayers, companies”[2].

The conference also highlighted the complex geopolitical landscape, with Kallas calling on China to cease enabling Russia’s war efforts. She noted that 80% of dual-use goods reaching Russia come via China, emphasizing the need for broader international cooperation to end the conflict[2].

Historical Parallels and European Unity

Drawing a parallel to the 1938 Munich Agreement, Kallas urged continued support for Ukraine’s resistance, warning against appeasement. “If Ukraine resists, we will support them,” she affirmed, echoing sentiments expressed by other European leaders at the conference[2].

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reinforced this stance, rejecting any peace agreement that would compromise Ukrainian sovereignty or decouple European and American security interests[1]. Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an emergency summit of European leaders to address the evolving situation[5].

As the conference continues, the divergence between European and US positions on Ukraine has become increasingly apparent. With the Trump administration reportedly engaging in separate talks with Russia, European leaders are emphasizing the necessity of their involvement in any peace process[5][7].

The Munich Security Conference serves as a critical platform for European leaders to articulate their unified stance on Ukraine, even as they navigate the complexities of shifting US foreign policy and ongoing Russian aggression.

Citations:

[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/15/germanys-scholz-offers-firm-backing-for-ukraine-on-day-2-of-munich-summit
[2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/munich-security-conference-press-remarks-high-representativevice-president-kaja-kallas-upon-arrival_en
[3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/02/15/speech-by-president-antonio-costa-at-the-munich-security-conference-2025/pdf/
[4] https://www.egmontinstitute.be/app/uploads/2021/06/CSDP-HANDBOO-4th-edition.pdf
[5] https://eaworldview.com/2025/02/ukraine-war-trump-administration-to-meet-russians-in-saudi/
[6] https://www.pressclub.be/press-releases/munich-security-conference-press-remarks-by-high-representative-vice-president-kaja-kallas-upon-arrival/
[7] https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/15/europe/russia-ukraine-war-us-white-house-latam-intl/index.html
[8] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_25_516
[9] https://apnews.com/article/vance-rubio-munich-security-conference-ukraine-ab2d7379aaf6ca224cc51e1f9ade9edf

Munich Security Conference: press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas upon arrival

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